Candlewood Suites Portland - Scarborough by IHG

For travelers seeking comfortable, spacious, and value-driven accommodations for an extended stay or even a short visit in the greater Portland, Maine area, the Candlewood Suites Portland - Scarborough by IHG stands as a highly recommended choice within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category. Located at 700 Roundwood Dr, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA, this hotel is designed to be a true "home away from home," offering features and services particularly beneficial for guests staying for more than just a night or two.

The Candlewood Suites brand, part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), is renowned for its focus on extended-stay convenience, providing apartment-style living with hotel amenities. This particular location in Scarborough offers a quieter setting slightly outside the immediate bustle of downtown Portland, while still providing excellent access to key attractions, business centers, and leisure opportunities in both Scarborough and nearby Portland. The hotel's phone numbers are (207) 883-6800 and +1 207-883-6800.

Environment and Ambiance: Practical Comfort in a Convenient Location

The environment at Candlewood Suites Portland - Scarborough is designed for practical comfort and functionality. The hotel aims to provide a relaxed and homely atmosphere, allowing guests to settle in and maintain their routines. The architecture and interior design are straightforward and modern, focusing on clean lines and a welcoming feel without unnecessary frills. This contributes to a sense of calm and efficiency, highly valued by extended-stay guests.

While not directly in the heart of Portland's vibrant Old Port, the hotel's location in Scarborough offers distinct advantages. It is situated on Roundwood Drive, which provides easy access to major roadways like Route 1 and I-95, facilitating travel to various points of interest. A significant highlight of its location is its proximity to the Maine Mall, a large shopping complex, which is typically a short drive away (around 3 minutes). This provides convenient access to shopping, dining, and other services.

Scarborough itself is known for its beautiful long sandy beaches, extensive marshlands (like Scarborough Marsh), and a more relaxed, suburban feel compared to downtown Portland. This offers a different kind of charm, with opportunities for nature watching, kayaking, and enjoying the Maine coast. The hotel provides a good base for exploring both the urban attractions of Portland and the natural beauty of the southern Maine coast. The immediate surroundings are generally quiet, contributing to a peaceful stay, as noted by a guest who experienced "zero noise heard in room."

The hotel, built in 1999 and last renovated in 2017, maintains a clean and inviting appearance. It is a smoke-free property, ensuring a fresh environment for all guests.

Comprehensive Services and Features: Designed for Extended Stays

The Candlewood Suites Portland - Scarborough features 94 air-conditioned accommodations, primarily consisting of suites that are thoughtfully designed to mimic a residential setting. Each suite includes:

• Full Kitchenettes: A cornerstone of the Candlewood Suites experience, each room is equipped with a full-size refrigerator/freezer, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, and essential cookware and dishware. This allows guests to prepare their own meals, significantly reducing dining costs and providing flexibility, particularly for longer stays.
• Separate Living and Sleeping Areas: Many suites offer distinct living room areas separate from the bedroom, providing ample space to relax, work, or entertain. This setup is highly appreciated by guests, with one reviewer noting, "We had two separate rooms, a living room and a galley kitchen. All hotel rooms should be set up this way." Studio suites and one-bedroom suites are available, some offering as much as 499 square feet of space.
• Modern Amenities: All rooms come with flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels, complimentary wired and wireless high-speed internet access, a spacious desk with an ergonomic chair, and comfortable bedding with hypo-allergenic options and blackout drapes/curtains for optimal rest. Private bathrooms feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
• Free Laundry Facilities: A standout feature for extended-stay guests, the hotel offers complimentary self-service laundry facilities, allowing guests to keep their clothes fresh without extra cost. This is a significant value-add for long-term travelers.
• "Candlewood Cupboard": A 24-hour on-site convenience store where guests can purchase snacks, beverages, frozen meals, and everyday essentials. Grocery delivery service to guest rooms is also available.
• Fitness Center: A 24-hour fitness center is available, equipped with various machines to help guests maintain their workout routines.
• Outdoor Amenities: The hotel features barbecue grills and an outdoor picnic area, providing spaces for guests to relax and socialize outdoors.
• "Candlewood Locker": For guests who may have forgotten something or need a specific item, the Candlewood Locker is stocked with everyday items for guests to borrow, ranging from blenders to board games.
• Pet-Friendly: The hotel welcomes pets (with a non-refundable cleaning fee, typically $100), making it a convenient option for those traveling with animal companions.
• Business Services: A 24-hour business center with computer stations and printing facilities is available. The hotel also has limited meeting space for small gatherings.

The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, ensuring assistance is always available. The staff is often praised for being "understanding" and "thoughtful," as evidenced by the gesture of offering a late check-out to guests who arrived late. While there isn't a full-service restaurant on-site, the availability of fully equipped kitchens and the nearby Maine Mall provide ample dining options. Check-in time is typically 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.

Promotional Information and Guest Endorsements

The Candlewood Suites Portland - Scarborough by IHG is generally well-regarded by guests, often receiving high ratings for its value for money, cleanliness, and the comfort of its rooms. It's frequently highlighted as a "five star for the money" option, indicating that it delivers on its promise of an efficient and comfortable extended-stay experience. Reviews show average ratings of 7.8 out of 10 ("Good") to 8.0 out of 10 ("Very Good"), with specific strengths in location (8.7/10) and cleanliness (8.3/10).

Key promotional aspects emphasize the hotel's focus on extended-stay convenience:

• Home-like Comfort: The availability of full kitchens and spacious separate living areas is a major selling point, making it suitable for long-term assignments, family vacations, or relocations. This provides a genuine "home away from home" feeling.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Free laundry facilities and the option to cook in-room contribute to significant savings for guests over time. Free self-parking is also a valuable perk, distinguishing it from many downtown Portland hotels.
• Strategic Location: Its placement near the Maine Mall and within easy driving distance of Portland’s downtown attractions (approximately 15-20 minutes drive, 12 km from Old Port), Scarborough’s beaches, and the Portland International Jetport (PWM, about 2 miles northeast or a 15-minute drive) is a clear advantage. While the hotel does not offer an airport shuttle, its proximity and free parking ease transportation.
• Customer Service: Reviews consistently point to the helpful and accommodating nature of the staff, showcasing a commitment to guest satisfaction. The flexibility demonstrated with late arrivals and offering late check-out is a prime example of their thoughtful service.

As an IHG property, guests can also benefit from the IHG One Rewards loyalty program, earning points for stays and enjoying member-exclusive rates and benefits. The hotel often participates in various IHG promotions, which can include discounts for longer stays or bonus points offers. It is also LGBTQ+ friendly.

For reservations and inquiries, the hotel can be contacted directly at (207) 883-6800 or +1 207-883-6800. Information is also readily available on the IHG website and major travel booking platforms. The hotel maintains strict cleaning and disinfection practices, adhering to IHG's Clean Promise, ensuring a safe environment for all guests. Safety features like carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and security systems are also in place. The minimum age for check-in is 21 years old.

In conclusion, the Candlewood Suites Portland - Scarborough by IHG at 700 Roundwood Dr, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA, is an excellent choice for anyone searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" that prioritizes comfort, value, and convenience for extended stays. Its well-appointed suites with full kitchens, complimentary laundry, pet-friendly policy, and highly-rated customer service make it a practical and enjoyable "home away from home" in the greater Portland area.